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Posted on: June 4, 2014

Grants to assist in a Historic Structures Report for Anderson Athletic Pool

The City of Anderson has been awarded a $14,837.50 grant by the Jeffris Heartland Fund, a Wisconsin-based nonprofit organization dedicated to Midwestern historic preservation. This grant will match a $10,000 grant the City of Anderson has already received from the Efroymson Family Fund. These two grants, in addition to funding from the City of Anderson’s Parks Department, will assist in funding a Historic Structures Report (HSR) for the Anderson Athletic Pool.

An HSR is a comprehensive document that includes historical research and analysis, and a full condition assessment of the site, building envelope, interiors, mechanical systems, electrical systems, and codes. An HSR provides guidance on the appropriate level of preservation treatment for the project, based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. It also helps to interpret the history of a building, can be used as a fundraising tool, and helps determine costs for restoration. This report is viewed as the most inclusive of preservation planning documents and typically is considered vital for highly significant structures.

“Funding from the Jeffris Family Foundation and the Efroymson Family Fund will be instrumental in educating ourselves about the significance of the Anderson Athletic Pool, not only to Anderson, but to the country, and it will also outline the appropriate steps and feasibility of its preservation and restoration,” said J.P. Hall, Director of the Eastern Regional Office for Indiana Landmarks.

In addition to funding HSR’s, the Jeffris Family Foundation has also served as a catalyst for “bricks and mortar” preservation projects by offering capital challenge grants to community-based projects. The Jeffris Heartland Fund administers its programs to the entire Midwest, including the states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin. Grants are awarded to nonprofit groups and public agencies, with priority going to projects in smaller cities and towns where funding sources are typically more limited.

The Efroymson Family Fund is a donor-advised fund of the Central Indiana Community Foundation and continues a long legacy of charitable commitment and historic preservation around Indiana. They partner and work closely with Indiana Landmarks to ascertain preservation priorities around the state.

“We are incredibly appreciative to both the Jeffris Family Foundation and the Efroymson Family Fund in assisting with this endeavor. Without their valued support, we all would find it extremely difficult to move this project forward. This is really the first and a necessary step in investigating the feasibility of this project,” states Mayor Kevin Smith.

Anderson Athletic Park Pool, AndersonMost people who see pictures of the Anderson Athletic Park Pool say, “oh wow, cool pool!” Built in 1925, it is one of only a few swimming pools remaining of the 130 constructed across America following an unusual design by engineer Wesley Bintz. Bintz patented an egg-shaped above-ground pool that incorporated dressing rooms under the structure. Less excavation, lower construction costs…brilliant! The unusual structure closed in 2007. The City of Anderson wants to save the landmark, but it will take a big financial boost to reopen the place.

Indiana Landmarks revitalizes communities, reconnects us to our heritage, and saves meaningful places. With nine offices located throughout the state, Indiana Landmarks helps people rescue endangered landmarks and restore historic neighborhoods and downtowns. People who join Indiana Landmarks receive its bimonthly magazine, Indiana Preservationist. For more information on the not-for-profit organization, call 317-639-4534, 800-450-4534, or visit www.indianalandmarks.org.